Sire Stakes Draws Guidance

Note: This information is provided to licensees as guidance only and is not enforceable.

At its June 21, 2023 meeting, the Maine State Harness Racing Commission (MSHRC) became aware that draws for Sire Stakes did not occur in a consistent manner last racing season, and were not occurring in a consistent manner so far this racing season. The Commission notes that there is no Sire Stakes rule directing how Sire Stakes draws occur, and that there is not a corresponding rule to refer to in other MSHRC Rules. Thus, the decision on how to conduct Sire Stakes draws falls to the discretion of the Presiding Judge. The Sire Stakes community expressed its desire that all draws occur in a consistent manner. The Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association’s Board (MSBOA Board) voted that Sire Stakes races be drawn by lot. The MSBOA Board also voted that the Sire Stakes races be drawn live, not electronically.

After discussion, the Commission voted to send out the following guidance regarding Sire Stakes draws. The guidance is as follows: To ensure consistency in the drawing of Sire Stakes races, the Commission prefers that Presiding Judges draw Sire Stakes race by lot. The draw should be conducted live, not electronically.